New England Patriots fans can't help but continue to watch the career of Mac Jones unfold. There was a time when the fan base believed he was the next answer after Tom Brady. While there was never an expectation of reaching this level of greatness, the rookie year Jones enjoyed fooled many pundits and fans into believing in his future. This obviously was misguided and ended with the two sides parting ways.
Jones had a short stint backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville before landing with the 49ers in the 2025 offseason. It was the perfect addition for San Francisco, fresh off paying franchise quarterback Brock Purdy top-dollar. It allowed the team to add starting experience without introducing anything close to a threat to Purdy.
The former Pats signal caller landed in the perfect spot, easily getting the best offensive coaching of his career. Jones is no longer under any pressure or illusion that there is a path to being a starting option. The Alabama product has embraced a backup role and has impressed coaches and players towards the end of camp and preseason.
49ers cut QBs Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 25, 2025
Former Patriots QB Mac Jones Appears to Have Found Perfect Landing Spot
Vic Tafur made the former Pats quarterback's new landing spot official with the news that the 49ers have cut both Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai. This doesn't come as a surprise, with neither option impressing throughout the preseason.
Jones simply needed tough offensive coaching that he wasn't going to get in New England or Jacksonville. Both coordinators that the quarterback struggled with have had questionable histories when it comes to managing limited starters. Landing in San Francisco was a chance to soak in a new system that is known for elevating limited starters. If there was ever a team that Jones could start for and rediscover his potential, it is the 49ers.
Whether it is Jimmy G. or Purdy, the franchise has made a recent run by simply taking an average starter and surrounding the quarterback with elite weapons. The system is going to do the rest, propping up any starter who is anything close to capable. While New England made the right decision parting ways with the failing starter, it is still easy to wonder what could've been.
If the Pats had put in place a capable offensive system and star receivers, there is room to wonder if the franchise would still be starting Jones. Regardless, Drake Maye is an unquestionable upgrade, having a far higher ceiling and giving Pats fans a level of excitement and hope they haven't had since Brady's departure. Pointing to the obvious that Jones simply was never a long-term answer.